2017 Lincoln Continental

What is your idea of a luxury automobile? Well, most people will base their answers on the luxurious German machines and truthfully so. For decades, different automakers have been trying to beat the trio of German luxury leaders at the “luxury game’ but end up short. The German automakers always seem to be a step ahead not forgetting their already established luxury credentials all over the world.

However, Ford claims to have a new way of beating them. The trick according to Ford is to create a whole new definition of luxury. According to the automaker, instead of living in the old idea of luxury, the new Continental brand seeks to establish a new mindset.

2017 Lincoln Continental NAIAS 2016 Detroit

2017 Lincoln Continental Exterior

The 2017 Lincoln Continental exterior is based on the model’s concept flaunting the same elegant stance and fine design. However, there are mild changes compared to the concept model.

The model is based on the global architecture which the MKZ, Ford Fusion and MKX are also based on. At the front, the new bumper features large air openings as opposed to the concept’s slender air inlets. This makes the front look more menacing. Above the bumper is a slightly tweaked grille flanked by sleek LED headlights.

At the back, the new sedan gets a conventional trunk lid that stretches to the bumper compared to just above the taillights on the concept. This feature was appealing to the eye but not practical to take into production.

The taillights are slightly different; they are larger and housed in new clusters. The taillights pair is connected with a thin LED strip resulting in a more stylish stance. Also, the lights feature chrome inserts which is quite a rare feature nowadays. The rear also features a slight trunk lid spoiler and dual exhaust tips in place of the quad-pipe outlets on the concept.

On the sides, the vehicle features black window detailing, larger mirrors and a fender badge sporting the “Continental “lettering. The sides also feature multi-spoke rims, revised skirts and e-latch door handles which are discretely integrated to the beltline leaving a clean side body. The doors open via the touch of a button and secure automatically upon close courtesy of a power-cinching technology.

The 2017 Lincoln Continental also features fancy lighting to welcome the driver; the lights switch into motion when the driver approaches the vehicle. The automaker didn’t reveal the exterior colors available but we hope the Rhapsody Blue metallic paintwork on the concept will be offered.

2017 Lincoln Continental Interior

If you think the outside of the big sedan stand outs, well you have to see the inside as this is where Lincoln has worked to stand apart from the traditional luxury brands. You will encounter rich materials and unusual touches all over the cabin. The automaker defines the new cabin as warm and contemporary meant for those who define luxury in their own terms.

The cabin bespeaks of premium quality craftsmanship. Passengers will fall in love with its “Perfect Position Seats” which are 30-way power adjustable. The seats design is inspired by furniture in private jets and high end offices. The seats are wrapped in fine leather with unique stitching which uses seven stitches per inch resulting in couture like look. The seats are heated, ventilated and offer massage options. They also offer thigh extensions for extra support all meant to help occupants rejuvenate.

The center console and instruments panel are also wrapped in leather with doses of aluminum as well as wood trims also making their way into this cabin. Further, slats of its center console are laser-cut to ensure consistent grain pattern. Exclusively for the Chinese market, the Continental’s rear passengers will get a bigger share of amenities. The vehicle features rear audio and climate controls, heated and ventilated recliner seats which also have a massage function.

The cabin also features active noise control and acoustic laminated glass to ensure the cabin is very quiet. There is also a panoramic sunroof which covers the whole roof. This roof slides up over the rear letting in more light and fresh air to all passengers.

In terms of its safety, there is still little information to disclose but we understand it will be equipped with stability and traction control, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and a 360-degree camera system with cameras mounted on the deck-lid, grille and on side mirrors.

Engine Specs

The2017 Lincoln Continental derives its “juice” from a 3.0 L, V-6 engine which is capable of producing 400 hp and same amount of torque. The power will be sent to either the front wheels or all wheels through an all-wheel-drive system that vectors torque to the rear wheels according to road conditions, speed and cornering.

It is not clear which transmission the automaker will use for the shifting but a 9-speed automatic system is highly likely. The engine will feature three drive modes (Normal, Comfort and Sport) which helps adapt steering and suspension to ideal driving conditions). Buyers can also select optional adaptive steering which optimizes steering response for a smoother response to the driver’s input.

Price and release date

The vehicle will hit dealer showrooms in the second half of 2016. Lincoln didn’t disclose its price but we understand the model will fall behind the Navigator in terms of prices. As such expect the Continental to start at around $ 50,000.